picture perfect: ABC Art for Kids

Some people count sheep when they can't sleep. Annette Back comes up with innovative new business ideas.

"One night when we were staying with friends at the Jersey Shore, I couldn't sleep," she says. "I had a son Aaron--he was two at the time. And I just saw it in my head: Some sort of artwork featuring Aaron's picture along with other objects that start with the same letter as his name (ie: apple, alligator, airplane). It would work for other names, letters and objects in the same manner. When we got home from the shore, I got to work. That's how ABC Art for Kids got started."

"Since I am a graphic designer, I knew where to look for the art. I found just the right illustration style, had the perfect photo and designed my first piece. Finding the right output for this took a lot of research. I settled on producing the idea on canvas. When it arrived at my house, Aaron and I thought it was gorgeous! I created a few more as gifts for my friends' kids. Everyone loved it. I was encouraged to start selling so I went to work designing a website."

Annette's creations aren't gimmicky and don't try to hard to be classy. They're beautiful, fun and engaging--definitely a labor of love. I hope to get one for each of my kids soon. They will definitely be an improvement from all the homemade "art" on their walls!

"I started this business to get the art out. I did not like any personalized art out there (with a few exceptions) everything else was so cutesy and soft, monotone and predictable. I thought this was fun and alive."

Her kids Aaron (4.5 years) and twins Joshua and Sara (age 1.5) don't leave her much time to work on the business but they are a sure source of inspiration. Says Annette, "Their faces are so super yummy; as I imagine every parent feels that way about their kids."

Annette is currently working on a new concept for parents and grandparents that features headshots of their kids on a themed background (ie: "beach" for a summer house or "food" for the kitchen, etc.) as well as more sophisticated options for older kids. She also creates customized canvases to suit each individual's style and taste. Email her at abc@abcartforkids.com with your ideas or go to www.abcartforkids.com to start your personalized art collection now. Enter code "2010" and take advantage of a special holiday promotion.

something to wine about

The start of the fall season introduces a while new set of options for family outings--from apple picking to leaf collecting to, believe it or not, wine harvesting! And now you can taste the grapes and help out some kids in need at the same time.

Malibu Family Wines will host the Ninth Annual Family Fun Fest, Harvest & Crush Event benefiting City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts, Sunday, September 13, 2009, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the sprawling 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch, home to Malibu Family Wines. All proceeds from the event benefit City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts, the 24-year old arts intervention non-profit organization that transforms the lives of the most disadvantaged and at-risk children through the highest quality arts education, training and experiences.

Stop by Saddlerock Ranch to view a bounty of grapevines ready for harvest and your kids will see some exotic animals along the way: horses, llamas, buffalo and zebras. Kids can take part in the 2nd annual Art Competition for Children, and have an opportunity to paint alongside accomplished artist and vintner Lisa Semler. The event will also feature an interactive Children’s Area featuring a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where children can dress up, have their photos taken and have Tea with the Mad Hatter and other characters including Queen Elizabeth and William Shakespeare. City Hearts students will perform at the event. Face painting, a rock climbing wall, Moon Bounce, cupcake decorating and various craft projects and Eco Art activities will also be featured. The children can recharge in the Storytelling Area with healthy snacks and juices while they listen to tales from children's books.

While your kids are participating in all of the above, grown-ups can have their fun too. Try fine wines made from vines grown on the property, including Semler Cabernet Sauvignon and Saddlerock Chardonnay, bid on unique items in the silent and live auctions, crush grapes, and indulge in a refreshing foot spa.

Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (310) 455-2898 or visit www.cityhearts.org or www.malibufamilywines.com.

happy mother's day: heart to heart

Salvatore Principe follows his heart in the creation of this Heartstory Book ($100), a collection of heart paintings dedicated to the memory of his mother who died of ovarian cancer. In her absence, he lost her heart so he turned to his canvas for healing. He started with a simple heart painted in natural earth tones, then evolved into embellishing the hearts with loving sentiments and bold colors. Principe has touched many hearts with his work: Jenny McCarthy, Cameron Diaz and Gwen Stefani all hang his artwork in their homes. This breathtaking coffee table book makes a very special, moving Mother's Day gift. So spread the love and get one for your mom. Go to www.salvatoreprincipe.com to purchase.